SEAN BENNETT

Former St. Paul standout Sean Bennett will bring his shooting abilities to Loyola’s hardwood as he steps on the court with the Wolfpack this year.

As teammate Andrew Bradberry put it, Bennett will do his part in the team’s offense with his “heavy barrage of three’s.” The 5-foot-11 Bennett shot 40 percent from three-point range his senior year as well a shooting more than 80 percent from the free throw line.

“We’re extremely excited to have Sean Bennett sign with Loyola,” said Michael Giorlando, head coach. “He is an explosive scorer who can also defend in the full court. Under coach Mike Toups, we are getting a young man who has been taught the fundamentals of the game and has experienced a lot of success throughout his career at St. Paul’s.”

Coach Toups said of his talented standout, “Sean is a really talented offensive player. He handles the ball really well. He is a one man press break who really has a knack for scoring, both getting to the goal and shooting the three.”

Bennett will help out a team that shot less than 35 percent from beyond the arc. He also joins a backcourt featuring team scoring leader Luke Zumo, general studies junior, to form a dangerous three-point tag team.

ANDREW BRADBERRY

Andrew Bradberry comes to Loyola via Saint Louis Catholic High School in Lake Charles, La., where he averaged seven points a game as well as 3.2 assists per game. The 6-foot7 forward was also a three-year starter, and his biggest contribution will most likely come in the shot blocking department. He is a preferred walk-on on high academic aid.

As a senior, Bradberry averaged more than four blocks a game. This will upgrade a Wolfpack defense that, as a team, averaged only 1.1 blocks a game last season.

In a press release announcing his signing, Giorlando said, “We feel extremely fortunate to have a person of Andrew Bradberry’s caliber join our program. His character is impeccable and our fans are going to enjoy watching him compete, especially on the defensive end.”

When asked how he saw himself fitting into the team, Bradberry said, “I believe that with the addition of the other five freshmen as well as myself, we can and will help Loyola become a program of much esteem and something for the kids here to not only enjoy, but cherish as an intricate part of the Loyola experience.” Fans should look forward to seeing Bradberry and his shot-blocking abilities coming to The Den this fall.

MATT MCCABE

Even if Matt McCabe wasn’t playing basketball, he might have wound up at Loyola. Why? “I like the warm weather.

You don’t get this kind of weather up in Iowa.”

McCabe is one of the newest members of the men’s basketball program at Loyola. He is a 6-foot-3 combo guard/forward from Mount Pleasant Community High School in Iowa. Last season, he averaged 13.9 points per game as well as 3.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists for his basketball team.

But that doesn’t begin to tell the story of McCabe’s athletic ability that he showed while in school. McCabe was also the football team’s starting quarterback, where he passed for 1,548 yards his senior year. He was also a high jumper on the track and field team and even qualified for state with a high jump of six feet, four inches.

“Matt is an exceptional athlete that will be called upon to push for a lot of minutes next year as a freshman. He will be expected to be one of our top defenders while adding depth to our perimeter scoring options. Matt’s a great fit and we are excited to have signed him,” Giorlando said.

McCabe was selected to the first team All-Conference, first team All-District, first team All Golden News Triangle, Academic All-Conference, Academic All-District and All-KBUR Radio News team after his senior season. He was also a top 10 recruit in the state of Iowa by Rivals.com.

“I’m a good fit for Loyola because I fit in with the rest of the incoming freshman class. We all do separate things well. Some of us are athletes, some of us are shooters, some are hustlers and some are strong in all phases of the game,” McCabe said.

NICK TUSZYNSKI

Nick Tuszynski was the Wolfpack’s first recruit to declare his intentions to attend the university.

The Jesuit High School graduate from Dallas made solid contributions all year, averaging almost 10 points and 8 rebounds a game. The 6-foot-7 Tuszynski was also nominated as a McDonald’s All-American in his senior season.

“In getting Nick’s commitment, we add to our front court lineup.

He’s going to bring additional toughness to the forward position. He has the ability to score around the basket, but his mental toughness and ability to rebound really caught my eye.

“Obviously coming from Dallas Jesuit, it will be a good fit here at Loyola. He comes from one of the top programs in the Dallas area and has received outstanding coaching from coach Jack Fitzsimmons,” Giorlando said.

Tuszynski will come in and help a frontline that finished last in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference in rebounding last season. His dominant inside game, as described by teammates, should help carry the Wolfpack in the paint.

MIKE BOYD

Forward Mike Boyd is a walk-on to the team who hails from Jesuit High School in New Orleans. The 6-foot-6 Boyd played a key role on a team that won the famed Catholic League district title this past season. Boyd is also an Ignatian scholar.

McARTHUR STRICKLAND

McArthur Strickland comes to the team from Hahnville High School in Hahnville, La. coached by former Loyola great Brian Lumar, A ’96. The 6-foot-4 forward helped lead his team to a spot in the Louisiana Top 28 tournament, the final four for the seven school classifications in the state.

Andy Lopez can be reached at [email protected].